The last few years, it hasn’t been a question of if Bartlett was going to be good, it was, could they get out of Memphis and compete for a state title. Make no mistake, Bartlett is in the upper echelon of high school basketball now. How did they get there? Well, the answer isn’t complicated. They get really good players, develop them and they do something important for producing college ready athletes. Bartlett runs their program like a college program. It’s what makes them stand keeps them in position to compete for a possible state title even after losing 2 Division 1 players.
What’s New?
Coach Dion Real hauled in the areas 2 best freshman in Braylon Williams and DJ Okoth. Whatever rank you apply to the duo, Williams at 1 or Okoth at 1, they are the 2 best prospects in 2028 in high school basketball. Although both are young and in their first year of prep basketball, they will be counted on heavy for a program with state championship aspirations. This isn’t going to be a situation where no one expects much of 2 youngsters. This is potentially logging 20 mins a night, major minutes, and being leaned on although Bartlett has junior and senior leadership as well.
Williams can play any style as a point guard and that bodes well for Bartlett. I really love how he pushes tempo and that’s something you could see Bartlett integrate a lot more this year. The lead guard spot is an important position, maybe the most important position on the floor and him getting time early on in the season will acclimate him more and pay dividends from the middle to the end of the season. Okoth at the 3/4 spot can play on the perimeter some but leans more as a 4. He shows beautiful touch and athleticism around the basket. He can face up and force fouls, play over the rim and hit the short jumper. I think his ceiling is very, very high. If he adds another 2 inches of height (he may not have to), he’s a High Major D1 athlete all day long along. Williams is as well.
How Far Can the Panthers Go?
This team, compared to last year, shouldn’t have huge aspirations. They lost 2 D1 level guys and 2 others to college basketball, so there was a hit taken in talent and experience; but I say keep the same expectations. A chance to go the state is very possible. Alongside Whitehaven, this is a team with college level size: Dylan Jones (6’6) Ethan Gatewood (6’7) and DJ Okoth (6’6). Rounding out the roster of talent are Jayden James, Sydney Thompson, KJ Neville and another player who could have a really good year if he’s healthy, 6’7 Axton Perry. I’m high on this group. I think their depth alone will win some games for them. If there was a 6th Man of the Year award, Sydney Thompson would qualify. He could start for a lot of teams in Memphis, but he will add a scoring punch off their bench.
The Bottom Line
A few things have to happen for them to get to the state championship in Murfreesboro:
- Dylan Jones must take the next step, and I think he will. He’s a big guard at 6’6 who can really do a lot of things, although scoring is the attribute that most know for him. His future recruitment will be based on the physical tools. Being a big wing/guard is his selling point. He can play on and off ball and he flashes 2-way potential as a defender as well.
- Ethan Gatewood’s development… He might be a starter this season. It’s time for him to become a big contributor for them. His game has shown progress, but I think a key for him is confidence.
- KJ Neville’s leadership and the ability to score off ball will be good for the Panthers. I think with Williams there now, you could see 2 guard fronts with him and Neville on the floor a lot. He brings defense and decision making, but I think he’s going to have to score more, and Williams will allow that to happen. He won’t score 15-18 a night, but if he’s giving them 10-12 a game with 5-6 assist and 5 rebounds, those are good numbers that helps Bartlett chances.
When you mention Bartlett, they may not be at #1 at the start of the season, but it may end up a replay for the Panthers program in the long run.
